The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
The University of Pittsburgh's Daily Student Newspaper

The Pitt News
Pitt’s Ashley Browske (4) hits a pass during a semifinal of the NCAA women's college volleyball tournament against Nebraska in December.

Fisher, Fairbanks lead USA Women’s U21 Volleyball to gold at Pan American Cup

By Richie Smiechowski, Senior Staff Writer • June 14, 2022
The U.S. Women’s U21 National Volleyball team captured its second Pan American Cup on Sunday, knocking off Argentina 3-1 at La Paz Arena in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The team dropped just two sets on their way to a 5-0 tournament sweep. The last time the U.S. claimed the Pan American Cup was in 2017. Pitt volleyball head coach Dan Fisher led the U.S. squad after being announced as head coach of the team on May 2.
Serena Gray (21) celebrates during the Panthers volleyball game vs. UVA at the Fitzgerald Field House on Sept. 29.

Slow start dooms No. 3 Pitt volleyball in marquee match with No. 1 Louisville

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • November 24, 2021
In front of a raucous crowd of 3,052 fans packed into Fitzgerald Field House, No. 3 Pitt ended the regular season on a disappointing note, taking a 3-1 loss to undefeated No. 1 Louisville.
Serena Gray, senior middle blocker, transferred from Penn State this year. Pictured is Gray spiking the ball during Pitt’s game against BYU.

Super-senior transfers make instant impact for Pitt volleyball

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • October 13, 2021
Pitt volleyball added two high-powered transfers, Leketor Member-Meneh from Missouri and Serena Gray from Penn State, to its roster this offseason and they’ve made an instant impact, helping propel the Panthers to a top-five ranking.
Dr. Freddie Fu, a pioneering orthopedic surgeon renowned locally and internationally for innovative Achilles tendon treatments and worked as the lead physician for Pitt athletics, died last Friday at the age of 70 at a UPMC hospice facility, surrounded by family.

Pitt athletics figures grieve, remember late Dr. Freddie Fu

By Stephen Thompson, Sports Editor • September 29, 2021
Leading figures from the Pittsburgh sports community and Pitt athletics came together to express messages of grief and appreciation for Dr. Freddie Fu, the pioneering orthopedic surgeon who passed away last weekend at the age of 70.
Kayla Lund led a dominant run of Pitt volleyball during her time in Oakland. As she looks toward the end of her time as a Panther, Lund wants to make history and memories on the court.

Kayla Lund looks to finish historic Pitt volleyball career on top

By Richie Smiechowski, Staff Writer • September 21, 2021
Kayla Lund led a dominant run of Pitt volleyball during her time in Oakland and she’s looking forward to making history in her final year.
Pitt senior right side hitter Chinaza Ndee reflected on the path that led her to this moment in front of reporters at a Zoom press conference last week. The team captain had just posted a 17-kill performance, boosting her team to a straight-set win over No. 14 Utah to advance to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.

Panther star Chinaza Ndee embraces leadership role on and off the court

By Alex Lehmbeck, Sports Editor • April 23, 2021
Pitt senior Chinaza Ndee has taken her leadership role on the volleyball team in stride, navigating the team to success both on and off the court this year.
Senior outside hitter Kayla Lund put away three crucial kills at the end of the first set.

Panthers sweep Sharks, advance to NCAA tournament second round

By Alex Lehmbeck, Sports Editor • April 15, 2021
Pitt volleyball rewarded its dedicated fans with a late-night sweep in the NCAA tournament first round last night. The Panthers face No. 14 Utah tonight, looking to reach the third round for the first time in program history.
Pitt volleyball’s historic NCAA tournament run came to an end on Monday afternoon, and it happened in possibly the most heartbreaking way imaginable.

Panthers shut down Yellow Jacket firepower in statement sweep, improve to 7-4

By Alex Lehmbeck, Sports Editor • March 10, 2021
Pitt (7-4) extended its win streak against Georgia Tech (8-2) to 10 with a 3-0 sweep on Monday, thanks to one of the team’s most impressive defensive performances of the season.
Senior outside hitter Kayla Lund put away three crucial kills at the end of the first set.

Pitt volleyball is ready for its encore

By Trent Leonard, Sports Editor • September 11, 2019
With Pitt ranked No. 6 and fielding one of its most talented rosters since Dan Fisher took over in 2013, the team is gearing up for its ultimate goal — an extended run in the NCAA Tournament.
Panthers’ volleyball ended the season with a 30-2 record — succumbing to Michigan in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at the Petersen Events Center Saturday night.

Volleyball ends season with tournament loss to Michigan

By Tessa Sayers, Assistant Sports Editor • December 3, 2018
After losing in the second round of the NCAA tournament the past two years, Pitt volleyball thought 2018 was its year — but Michigan ended the Panthers’ dreams of dancing into the Sweet 16 on Saturday night.
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